The Eastvale Quarterly Town Hall Meeting will be held at 6:30 on January 28th, 2014 at Augie Ramirez Intermediate School located at 6905 Harrison Avenue, Eastvale, California 92880. Doors open at 6:00.
A variety of topics and updates will be covered including:
City Update by Mayor Ike Bootsma, Waterline Project, CALFIRE update, Leal specific plan, Animal Control update, CNUSD update and more. The meeting will close with public comments and open forum as time permits.
Category Archives: Eastvale Front Page
Eastvale: Open House
OPEN HOUSE SAT Jan 25 11 am- 2 pm
6599 Wells Springs, Eastvale, 91752 $499,000
Call Gil Rivera at (909) 967-4525.
TV in master bedroom, refrigerator, washer & dryer. Storage shelf hanging from garage ceiling
Description: GORGEOUS Eastvale area home with approximately 3652 sqft, 5 bedrooms, 4 baths! Large rear and front yards with plenty of grass plus a covered patio with pavered flooring. Firepit also at rear and solid, blockwall fencing. Interior offers custom painting, granite countertops in kitchen, high quality cabinetry and appliances, formal dining room, LARGE Family Room downstairs, HUGE Bonus Room upstairs. Master bedroom has a master retreat area plus spacious master bath with walk-in closet. There is 1 bedroom is downstairs! Ample 3 car Garage and the property is located on a corner lot in a quiet neighborhood.
Eastvale: City Begins Weekend Code Enforcement
WEEKEND CODE ENFORCEMENT TO BEGIN
Courtesy: City of Eastvale – Effective this weekend, January 25, 2014 Eastvale Code Enforcement Officers will be actively patrolling the City of Eastvale and addressing weekend code violations.
Due to budget constraints, the City has not traditionally had Code Enforcement coverage on the weekends. The new implementation of Code Enforcement coverage on the weekends will be a pilot program to determine the volume of weekend code violations and evaluate the overall impact on Code Enforcement services city-wide.
Code Enforcement officers will be paying close attention to the most common code violations such as:
Property maintenance (Municipal Code Chapter 8.18 – Administrative Nuisance Abatement)
Trash/recycling receptacles storage (Sec. 120.05.080 – Neighborhood Preservation Standards)
Parking of Recreational Vehicles and Boats (Sec. 120.05.080 – Neighborhood Preservation Standards)
Temporary Signs (Sec, 120.05.070 – Signs – Amended by Ordinance 2013-17)
Temporary Signs in the Public Right of Way is defined as any sign, including commercial, non-commercial or political sign displayed for a limited period of time.
Temporary signs may be placed in the public right of way during the period beginning 4 p.m. Friday and ending 7 p.m. Sunday. Signs in place outside this period will be subject to removal.
Temporary Sign Size, Materials, and Maintenance Criteria. All temporary signs placed in the right of way must:
a) Be free-standing and securely mounted on a wooden or metal stakes;
b) Be no higher than four (4) feet above grade;
c) Be no larger than six (6) square feet and no more than three (3) feet in either height or width;
d) Be constructed of substantial sturdy, durable and weather-proof material;
e) Be kept in good repair;
f) Be non-illuminated;
g) Include the contact name and phone number of the person responsible for the sign in a clearly legible manner, either on the front or back of the sign; and
h) Be located in a permitted location as defined in this Section 5.E. 3.
Sign Location. Temporary signs in the public right of way must be located at least 20 feet from the curved portion of the corner in order to maintain visibility for motorists, as shown in the illustration. In addition, the following apply:
a) Signs must be located at least two feet from the edge of a curb or sidewalk, or from the edge of the pavement if there is no curb or sidewalk.
b) Signs shall be installed so as not to damage plant materials, irrigation equipment or other public property.
c) Signs may not be placed on a sidewalk.
d) Signs may not be placed in a roadway median.
e) Signs may not be attached to utility poles, sign posts, fences, walls, or any other structure.
Permitted Locations for Temporary
Signs in the Public Right of Way
Code Violations may be reported to the Eastvale Code Enforcement Department at (951) 361-2888 or Code_Complaint@eastvaleca.gov. For general information about the City of Eastvale Municipal Code, please visit the City’s Municipal Code library at http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=15015.
Eastvale: Police Successfully Shut-down Another Pot House
Staff Reports
Eastvale- Eastvale Police and Riverside County Sheriffs have successfully shut down another marijuana grow house in Eastvale. The following is according to a Press Release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept.:
Officers assigned to the City of Eastvale’s Special Enforcement Team obtained new information regarding a residence being used for an illegal marijuana grow operation. A follow-up investigation was initiated and a search warrant was obtained for the residence.
On Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at 6:25 p.m., the search warrant was served in the 6300 block of Iris Ct. in Eastvale by officers assigned to the city of Eastvale’s Special Enforcement Team. During the service of this search warrant, two subjects were detained inside the residence. Officers discovered the residence had been modified for the sole purpose of cultivating, processing and packaging marijuana for sales. Officers seized 398 marijuana plants, five (5) pounds of processed marijuana and packaging material. Additionally, electricity was being bypassed around the meter, causing a serious fire hazard and resulting in approximately $6000.00 a month in stolen electricity.
Both subjects were arrested and booked into jail at the Robert Presley Detention Center. They have been identified as:
• John Tran, a 27 year-old resident of Los Angeles, for conspiracy, cultivation and possession of marijuana for sales, and grand theft of utilities.
• Vinh Tran, a 26 year-old resident of San Gabriel, for conspiracy, cultivation and possession of marijuana for sales, and grand theft of utilities.
The Eastvale Police Department is committed to the safety of the citizens of Eastvale and will be vigilant in investigating all crimes of this nature. The investigation is ongoing and we are reaching out to the public and asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Officer Javier Morando at the Jurupa Valley Station at 951-955-2600.
Photo courtesy: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Vinh Tran
John Tran
Dr. Jeffrey W Lowe Funeral Arrangements
Dr. JeffreyW. Lowe funeral arraignments:
WAKE: Wed. Jan. 15, at 7 pm
FUNERAL: Thurs. Jan. 16, 10 am
St. Paul’s Church 14085 Peyton Dr, Chino Hills, CA
BURIAL IMMEDIATELY AFTER: Forest Lawn-Covina, 21300 E Via Verde St, Covina, CA
Eastvale Municipal Code: Did You Know?
Staff Reports
According to Municipal Code Section Sec. 120.05.080. – Neighborhood preservation standards states the following: (2)(a-c) No vehicle shall be parked upon a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours within a radius of 500 yards and shall be subject to citation and/or removal by the city as provided for in state law; No person shall construct, repair, grease, lubricate or dismantle any vehicle, or any part thereof, upon a public street, sidewalk or right-of-way, except for temporary emergency purposes; No vehicle, such as a car, truck or motorized bike, shall be parked in any landscaped area.
In addition, Section 120.05.080. (e) states that No commercial vehicles, or any part thereof, shall be parked upon a public street, sidewalk, right-of-way, private yard or private driveway, except when it is actively used for loading or unloading purposes. No overnight parking of commercial vehicles is permitted.
Eastvale: City Council Recap
By Jennifer Madrigal
Eastvale – The Eastvale City Council held one meeting in the month of December. At the Dec. 11, 2013 meeting, Council Members Ric Welch, Jeff DeGrandpre and Adam Rush were all present, with Mayor Ike Bootsma running the meeting.
Taylor York, on behalf of Western Council of Governments, presented the City of Eastvale with an appreciation acrylic from the Clean Cities Coalition for recently becoming a part of their organization.
During the Public Comment Section of the meeting, Girl Scout Troop 714 announced that they are trying to earn their bronze award by volunteering/sponsoring an event at Riverwalk Park with the 100 Mile Club. They hope to promote exercise and the appreciation of nature and family. They invited the City to join them for the event (which happened on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013). Mike Armijo from ABC Public Relations let the Council and community know that the paper was delivered, and reminded everyone of upcoming Chamber events and to Shop Eastvale. Dickie Simmons gave everyone a reminder of the next Town Hall Meeting which will be January 28, 2014.
The following items from the Consent Calendar were all approved: 5.1 – November 13 regular meeting minutes; 5.2 – Ordinance to Adopt the 2014 California Fire Code; 5.3 – Acceptance of Subdivision Improvements for Tract Number 31496, KB Homes-Project 13-0132; 5.4 – Approval of Parcel Map No. 32313 (Fleming Living Trust), southeast quadrant of Hamner Avenue and Riverside Drive; 5.5 – Storm Drain Cooperative Agreement with Riverside County Flood Control District and Lennar Homes, Tract 36382, Citrus Street; 5.6 – Storm Drain Cooperative Agreement with Riverside County Flood Control District and DR Horton, Tract 34014, Schleisman Road; 5.7 – Update on City’s Strategic Plan; 5.8 – Designating a Staff-Level Point of Contact for the Update of the Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy; 5.9 Statement of Revenue and Expense (unaudited), October 2013; 5.10 – Comprehensive Annual Financial Statement for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013; 5.11 – Warrant Register; and 5.12 – Warrant Register for Council Related Items.
The Public Hearings section of the meeting began with a discussion on item 6.1 – Amending the Zoning Code to Allow the Placement of Temporary Signs in the Public Right of Way, Subject to Limits on Time, Place and Manner. Currently, the City has allowed signs on the weekend, but would like to propose changing those regulations to 4 p.m. Friday until 7 p.m. Sunday, with signs permitted on roadway medians subject to standards for size and height for safety and visibility. City Manager Jacobs stated that there has been a long and unclear enforcement of the regulations and that clarity and enforcement is needed going forward. Council members discussed various options and concerns. Currently, Code Enforcement is acting as trash control and spending a lot of time picking up signs after the weekend. Contact information will be required on any signs allowing the City the ability to fine those that do not remove signs. Failure to post contact information on signs would result in their immediate removal. The exact regulations are going to be clarified, but the Ordinance passed 3-1.
There were not any Old Business Items.
In the New Business category, Item 8.1 – Approval of City’s Injury/Illness Prevention Program was passed; 8.2 – Resolution of the City Council of the City of Eastvale, California Approving a Schedule of Parking Fines and Penalties was also passed 4-0. Three vehicle violations will be added to penalties for street sweeping, parking on a red curb and failure to display license plates, and will now be written on administrative tickets which will hopefully allow a cleaner, faster process; 8.3 – Approval of Project Applications for Fiscal Year 14/15 Community Development Block Grant Funding passed 4-0, with three projects being proposed; 8.4 and 8.5 – Joint Community Facilities Agreements between Jurupa Community Services District and the City of Eastvale (Community Facilities District No. 37 and No. 47), and Joint Communities Facilities District Implementing Agreements, passed 3-0-1, with Welch recusing himself on both votes; Item 8.6 concerning City employees’ attendance at the International Conference of Shopping Centers (ICSC) was taken off the agenda to be discussed at a later time. Since there doesn’t seem to be much land available in Eastvale, Welch wanted more consideration before Council votes on whether to send employees or not.
For Item 8.7 – Options for Filing the Council Vacancy for the Unexpired Term, the Council decided to hold an open application period ending Dec. 26, 2013, with interviews occurring in January so that the position can be filled before the Jan. 30, 2014 deadline. DeGrandpre was adamant that this “position be open to everyone and that the process should be transparent.” Welch stressed the “need to make an ordinance to ensure this does not happen again and nail it down.”
For Item 8.8 – City Council Re-Organization, calling for a new Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem to be selected by the City Council, Ike Bootsma was asked if he would like to be the Mayor again, in which he adamantly replied he would. Both Bootsma and Rush will retain their current positions as Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of Eastvale. The meeting ended with council members wishing each other well and a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and thanking everyone for all their help and participation this year. The next regular meeting of the Eastvale City Council will be held Jan. 8, 2014, 6:30 p.m., at Rosa Parks Elementary School.
Eastvale: An Interview With Mayor Ike Bootsman
By Jennifer Madrigal
Eastvale Mayor Ike Bootsma (image courtesy of Google Images)
Q: What do you feel is the City’s Biggest Challenge for 2014?
A: “Our biggest challenge is economic development and bringing new businesses into our city. We need customers, but we also need businesses and it’s kind of a Catch 22. We have to convince businesses to come into our city because we already do have the customer base needed to support them. Things like “Shop Eastvale” have helped since so much of our city income comes from the sales tax. I also hope that we can get some more industrial business parks and office spaces here in Eastvale so more residents can live, work and shop in Eastvale.”
Q: What is your number one goal for the City this year?
A: “Definitely increasing the money we get from sales tax via promoting Shop Eastvale, bringing businesses here, getting more residents in our city and others outside of our city to shop here.”
Q: What feels great about Eastvale to you?
A: “The parks. We have so many great parks and facilities around us and I love how many people are involved in the parks and sports. Kids are participating in sports and using the trails and the equipment and it’s nice that so many local sport programs have the facilities right here available to them. I am so excited for the new Eastvale Community Park to open up and for the community to enjoy those soccer fields and the jogging trails, etc. Hopefully we will be able to get more regional tournaments here which will help us economically as well.”
Q: How long have you been here in Eastvale? What’s your history with the City?
A. “I was born and raised five miles from here in Chino, on a dairy that was one of the first dairies in the Chino Valley area founded in 1938. I moved to the Eastvale area in 1974 and started the Bootsma Calf Ranch with my brother. At one point we had about 8,500 head of cattle. My wife, Squeaker, and I have called Eastvale home ever since. We have enjoyed watching the city grow and expand.
Eastvale: Crime Recap
Staff Reports
Eastvale– The following crime incidents have been reported by the Riverside County Sheriff Department and by residents on our Eastvale News Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Eastvale CommunityNews). Our Facebook page is used to inform the community about crimes happening in the City, so we can work together to report suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Department in order to keep crime low. Here is a recap of the local crime last month.
On Dec. 13, 2013, shortly before 7:30 a.m., a home in the 14000 block of Vernal Springs Court in the City of Eastvale erupted into flames. Five engines, including a hook-and-ladder, as well as other fire personnel and numerous Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the blaze. Employees of Southern California Edison were also on scene. Later, Sheriff’s investigators obtained a search warrant and seized 645 marijuana plants. Upon further discovery, they confirmed that electricity was being bypassed illegally around the meter, which may have been the cause of the fire. This case is still under investigation.
On Dec. 16, 2013, Eastvale Police Officers investigated a series of thefts at the 7100 block of Cornflower Ct., in Eastvale. The investigation revealed that several unknown suspects approached several residences on Cornflower Ct. and opened several unlocked vehicles parked in the driveway of the residences. The unknown suspects stole car audio speakers, amplifiers, an Apple iPod and a miscellaneous amount of currency from the vehicles. The suspects fled the location on foot and subsequently entered an unknown make, color and model sport utility vehicle. A suspect named Cody Ridley, 18, was arrested on Dec. 17, 2013. The case has been forwarded to the district attorney for further action. For more information about this crime, read the story on page 1.
On Dec. 20, 2013, a local resident residing on Elmgrove in Eastvale was cited with an $1,800 citation for failing to turn down their music after officers gave two warnings. The residents were hosting a “Twerk for Santa” party that had been advertised all over various social media outlets. According to an officer at the scene, the party seemed to be attended by over 100 young high school students and quickly got out of control. The Eastvale Police were called out after local neighbors reported hearing gun shots that sounded like “fireworks”. Officers canvassed the neighborhood with K9’s and found at least three small caliber bullet shells near a parked vehicle. A resident on the scene reported seeing car loads of teenage boys fleeing the scene, slowing down and switching passengers in the vehicles. The Eastvale Police Department responded quickly and gathered evidence, questioned neighbors and party goers. One officer told our reporter on the scene that there did not appear to be any injuries as there had not been any blood found on the scene. The party was closed down and cleared out before 1 a.m.
On Dec. 21, 2013 from 7 p.m. – 3 a.m. on Limonite Avenue, west of Hamner Avenue, a DUI/Driver’s license safety checkpoint was held with Deputy Kelly Howell as the reporting officer. The Eastvale Police Department completed this checkpoint in order to screen for DUI drivers as well as unlicensed and suspended drivers. Over 1,400 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, with the following results:
• 0 DUI arrests
• 12 Field sobriety tests for DUI of alcohol
• 0 Field sobriety tests for DUI of drugs
• 18 Citations were issued for unlicensed drivers
• 6 Citations were issued for suspended driver’s license
• 2 Citations for vehicle code violations
• 5 Vehicles towed
During the checkpoint hours, patrol officers were in the vicinity contacting the public for vehicle code violations. Out of those contacts, no DUI arrests were made, and 26 citations were issued. These numbers are included in the overall operation results listed above.
The checkpoint was conducted with the assistance of the Jurupa Valley Station’s K9 Team, Special Enforcement Team, and volunteers. In addition, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department/Crime Analyst Unit was on scene to assist the Eastvale Police Department in processing the larger than normal volume of citations, towing records, arrest/incident reports and computer checks of various law enforcement databases. Also, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department/Cal-ID staff was on scene assisting the Eastvale Police Department to verify the identity of those subjects arrested by utilizing their mobile identification processing system.
On Dec.26, 2013, a resident informed us via Facebook that their community cluster mailboxes were stolen in the Orchard neighborhood with cross streets Limonite & Sumner. The entire unit was removed and only the base was left. This case is currently being investigated and residents were informed by USPS that it is their responsibility to replace the unit.
Eastvale: Here We Grow Again – January 2014
By K.P. Sander
Eastvale – Like the beautiful bow on a Christmas package, all of the ongoing construction projects are getting their finishing touches to help make 2014 in Eastvale merry and bright. There are also a lot of new gifts in development to make the future dazzling as well.
From the proposed Arco Gas Station and retail development in the northeast corner of the city at Riverside Drive and Hamner Avenue to the nearly completed Homecoming at the Preserve at the southwest corner on the Chino border, Eastvale continues to thrive.
Traffic delays are still a reality as construction of the 224 “Copper Sky” condominium units continues near the schools at Schleisman Road and Scholar Way. Roadway improvements around the project will ultimately provide improved traffic flow throughout the schools and into the new housing, as well as enhanced pedestrian safety, all said and done.
The development of more housing is also underway on Citrus Avenue, just south of the High School at Scholar Way, where the Granja Vista Del Rio ranch used to be. Still central in this development is the historic Desi Arnaz house, which will be preserved by Jurupa Community Services District. The beautiful architecture of Arnaz’ Spanish ranch-style home provides inspiration for the development. “The Palms” will consist of 197 detached single family homes, as well as an additional 39 acres of open space south of the project that will include trails (part of the current east to west system) and a pond.
The forthcoming “Trails at Eastvale” housing project is in the plan check phase for construction at the corner of Archibald Avenue and 65th Street. Recently the home for some of Eastvale’s last bovine residents, the project will include 224 single family homes with eight floor plans (on the smaller ALUC-zone lots) and will surround a new neighborhood park and adjoining trail system with exercise stations.
Yet another housing project that has broken ground is “Cleveland Square” on the north side of Limonite Avenue at Scholar Way. 350 two-story condominium units with active-park, pool and outdoor spaces will urbanize the vacant fields as development starts moving toward the Gateway shopping center. It certainly sounds like a population boom is on the horizon.
With more people comes the need for more parks, and Phase I of the new Eastvale Community Park located at the southeast corner of Citrus and Hamner avenues is ready to open, hopefully this month. The initial 45 acres includes Lighted Sports Fields, Picnic Areas, Concession Stands, Restroom Facilities and Parking. The park will also extend the Eastvale Trail, which will connect from the park to the Santa Ana River Trail (which all told, will be over 110 miles from the San Bernardino Mountains to the Pacific Ocean upon completion).
Live Eastvale, Shop Eastvale! As we continue to flourish the opportunities to shop and dine increase and encourage us to keep our dollars in the city we call home. Starting in the Cloverdale Marketplace, located at the southwest corner of Limonite and Hamner and anchored by Ralph’s grocery store, several new businesses come to life. New dining options include the delicious Waba Grill and soon to open Ponino’s Pizzarena. The Learning Experience (Academy of Early Education) opened in the fall of 2013, and the Soccer Wearhouse is putting the finishing touches on with a grand opening scheduled for January 11, 2014. With all the new sports fields imminent, this should be a popular store.
One of the largest shopping centers, Eastvale Gateway, located at the northeast corner at Hamner and Limonite, has a wide variety of options to encourage residents to stay local. With multiple anchors, such as Home Depot, Target, Von’s and the Regal Cinemas, Gateway truly has something for everyone. The popular Ulta Beauty and Massage Envy businesses opened a few months ago along with a plethora of dining options make variety the spice of Eastvale. From On the Border to Buffalo Wild Wings; and from your old favorites, Farmer Boys and Pick Up Stix (and new favorite, Jersey Mikes), to the recently opened Habit Burger Grill and Dickie’s BBQ Pit, the only difficulty is narrowing your choices down to just one. The center has the perfect Date Night options close to home.
In Eastvale Gateway South, located at the southeast corner of Hamner and Limonite, alongside the 24-Hour Fitness mega-gym that opened earlier in 2013, the much anticipated San Antonio Medical Plaza will bring medical services directly to Eastvale in the fall of 2014. The center also includes Corky’s Kitchen, Wing Stop, Walgreens, Chevron and other quick-service options.
With Jack in the Box finally joining the lonely CVS several months ago, the lot on the southwest corner of Archibald and Schleisman is finally coming to life. With the framework bones of Auto Zone and its companions, Mes Amies Hair and Nails, and dentistry with Nihar Tanna, DDS, now quite obvious, Starbucks is also visible with Fantastic Sam’s and other tenants in the works. The early 2014 completion of that corner of Eastvale will be a welcome neighbor to all the housing completed earlier in 2013.
A major construction project in the area is the Homecoming at the Preserve, in Chino, and our neighbor at the border of Eastvale on Schleisman-Pine. Now open for leasing, the apartment homes, built by award-winning Lewis Apartment Communities, have provided resort-style amenities to bring you the very best in contemporary living – a good thing for those seeking apartment living near Eastvale, as there are no options currently within the city limits. With a 16,000 square foot clubhouse at its core, the offerings include a fitness center, theater, gaming rooms, nail salon, coffee bar, massage center, valet dry cleaning, and business center. The luxury continues with a rooftop lounge overlooking the terrace with two pools and spas, outdoor lounges with a fireplace, and beautiful gardens and greenbelts. The apartments themselves offer innovative floor plans from one to four bedrooms, most with attached garages. For more information on this Master Planned Community, call (866) 407-2448.
Heroes At Home: Eastvale’s Fire Dept.
- The Transformer-like engine undergoes daily maintenance. (Photo By Kimberley Sander)
By K.P. Sander
Eastvale – Firefighters are our heroes. They put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public as a way of life. You merely have to reflect back on the events of 9-11 to fully understand the courageous impact that those in public service can have in dire emergencies. Every life is precious no matter the circumstances, and seconds count when emergency services are needed.
The City of Eastvale is fortunate to have Cal Fire Station 27 within city limits to take care of the 55,000 residents in its 13 or so square miles. From municipal and wild land fire protection to medical emergencies, rescues and hazardous materials concerns, the station responds to approximately 1,400 incidents each year. Their competence in facilitating the safety of the public is done with pride, integrity and kindness.
The beautiful state-of-the-art Fire Station, which opened on Hamner Avenue on September 21, 2011, houses approximately 13 firefighter and/or paramedic personnel. With nearly 11,000 square feet of space that includes a luxury kitchen, cozy TV room with comfortable recliners, sleeping dormitory, fitness room – as well as a large apparatus bay and working areas – the building is an interesting dichotomy of home and the militaresque routines that direct their business days.
With one engine and one squad rolling from the Eastvale station, there are five personnel on duty at any given time, including one captain, one engineer, and three firefighter/paramedics, all teaming together to ensure a response time of ten minutes or less. Working 72 hour shifts, the firefighters of Eastvale keep a spotless home and equipment in pristine condition. From electronic tablets to help streamline on-scene reporting to a sophisticated exhaust system at the station to keep diesel fuel exposure to a minimum, Station 27 reveals amenities that take care of our firefighters as well.
Firefighter/Paramedic, Eric Stephens, of Cal Fire Station 27 (Photo by Kimberly Sanders)
Along with keeping the public safe, our local Fire Department also supports our community through Toys for Tots at Christmas time, as well as weekly station tours for organizations like the Boy Scouts of America, church groups, and visits for children with disabilities.
Definitely a step up from the temporary fire station previously located at Cedar Creek Park, Cal Fire Station 27 and the brave firefighters that take care of us are a source of pride for the community of Eastvale. Through efficient and effective emergency services, these men and women who serve us are definitely our Heroes At Home.
Eastvale: Community And Technology Unite
By Jennifer Madrigal
Eastvale – With the availability and affordability of technology to homeowners, many have taken advantage of it and wired their homes for security. These cameras have helped to capture images of alleged thieves and burglaries in action. These images can then be enlarged and posted on social media sites so that the community can help identify the culprits. While this can lead to false accusations and a sense of paranoia, the positive aspect of being able to quickly identify and locate a suspect has seemed to outweigh the negatives. In December, a rash of burglaries occurred within the City of Eastvale and this technology, along with our active social media community came together to help identify these suspects.
Technology came to the aide of several Eastvale residents on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013 when many woke up to find that their vehicles had been burglarized. Some became aware of the burglary when they realized cell phones, chargers, wallets or various other items were missing and some found their car windows smashed. Security cameras installed on several homes captured the faces of the alleged thieves in action and soon the images were posted all over Facebook. Our newspaper shared the information with the community immediately via our Facebook page (facebook.com/EastvaleCommunityNews) and the videos and images quickly spread to over 16,000 people within hours.
One of the residents hit by this rash of burglaries was Mark Ramirez, whose limousine was tampered with sometime around 2 a.m. His video surveillance system was able to capture a picture of the alleged thieves driving by in their vehicle. Ramirez contacted Eastvale Police, and said, “They came and took some good fingerprints that they left on my windows when they tried to pry it open.” Ramirez hopes that these fingerprints will help in identifying the suspects and that all charges will stick. He also shared the images and description of the vehicle with the police.
On that late Sunday morning, Police started to put together that several break-ins and trespassing of vehicles had occurred. As many as 10-15 vehicles had been part of this crime, according to residents. Soon residents began to identify and provide more information. The pictures of the suspects were a huge help to Police in capturing the individuals. Another resident, who was able to capture the alleged thieves in the act via video, said that “It became obvious that more than one of my neighbors had had their cars broken into. I have video surveillance on my house that tapes the front yard and driveway, so we decided to take a look at it. What we saw was a young male opening my truck and going through it. Luckily, I didn’t have anything of value in it and he didn’t appear to take anything. We did however get some footage of him pretty close up, and were able to upload the pictures to Facebook as well as the video.” These series of thefts occurred on the 7100 block of Cornflower Ct. and according to a news release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the suspects stole car audio speakers, amplifiers, an Apple iPod and a miscellaneous amount of currency from the vehicles. The suspects fled the location on foot and subsequently entered an unknown make, color and model sport utility vehicle.
This video and close-up picture was one of the main pieces of evidence that led to the identification of at least one of the suspects. The news release also stated that the investigation revealed several unknown suspects, including suspect Cody Ridley, 18, of Eastvale. Ridley was located and arrested on Dec. 17, 2013. The case has been forwarded to the Riverside County District Attorney’s office for prosecution and officers are continuing the investigation to obtain the identity of the remaining suspects in the crime. If you have any further information regarding this case, please contact the Eastvale Police Department by calling (951) 955-2600.
Eastvale: Wild pigs? Don’t grab the hunting gear just yet!
Wild pigs on the run.
By Glenn Freeman
Eastvale: Last October, a handful of incidents were reported involving feral pigs causing thousands of dollars in damage to landscaping at Riverwalk Park in Eastvale. The attacks prompted questions about eradication, including the possible issue of “depredation permits.” As of today, no such permits have been issued by Department of Fish and Wildlife to either the City of Eastvale or Jurupa Community Services District.
According to the City of Eastvale, “depredation permits” are “species specific” and relating to particular property damage that the wild animals have caused. These permits are issued to the jurisdiction or property owner where the specific damage has occurred.
This would give the public a right to hunt the animals, BUT, “state law prohibits discharge of a firearm or bow and arrow within 150 yards of any developed recreation area (e.g., a picnic area or playground), or within 150 yards of a home, without the written consent of the homeowner,” according to Jeff Villepique, Environmental Scientist at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the city reported.
However, both JCSD, which manages the park, and the City of Eastvale, do not allow hunting of the feral pigs within their jurisdictions without that specific permit.
Eastvale city municipal code states: “No person shall discharge or set off within the city limits any firearm or other contrivance discharging or propelling shots, slugs, bullets, darts, arrows, rocks or other missiles,” according to a release issued by the city.
Jurupa Community Services District director of parks and community affairs, Richard “Ric” Welch, says there have been no recent attacks and no plans at this point to pursue the permit. “Fortunately this has been a non-issue for the Parks Department of late,” Welch said.
So in essence, you CAN HUNT PIGS, but NOT WITHIN the city limits of Eastvale, NOR ON the JCSD property. UNLESS permits are issued by Department of Fish and Wildlife TO either the City of Eastvale or Jurupa Community Services District, which hasn’t happened, and most likely never will.
Gets confusing when you ask three branches of government the same question.
(Michael Armijo contributed to this story)
Eastvale: Bill Link is New City Council Member
Asst. City Clerk Ariel Hall swears in new Council Member Bill Link. (Jennifer Madrigal)
By Jennifer Madrigal
Eastvale: At tonight’s Special Session Eastvale Council meeting at Rosa Parks elementary, a crowd gathered for the public interview process of potential council members filling an open spot. Kelli Howell resigned after serving 3 years on the council to attend to her growing family. While 12 applicants originally filed before the December 26 deadline, only 10 were in attendance tonight. The applicants were: Raul Gutierrez, Anwer Khan, Susan Luan, David Magsam, Cesar Morales, Joe Tessari, Albert Randall, Warren Pulley, Robert Chang, and Bill Link.
Each of the candidates was given 2 minutes to make an opening statement and then asked a few questions by council members Rush, Degrandpre, Welch and Mayor Bootsma. Some of the questions asked were: What do you think is good and bad about Eastvale? What can your experience bring to the City?
The council members also wanted to know if each candidate understood the commitment and time requirements required of the position. Each candidate was given time to answer and then council members were able to ask further questions or to ask for more detail about a specific reply.
After some deliberation and a short break, Council came back and Bill Link was selected to be the next City Council Member. (Bootsma, Welch and Rush all voted yes and Degrandpre did not vote. ). Bill Link is retired and currently part of the Building Commission. He has been active in the community and involved in various foundations. His first meeting as a new council member will be at this month’s First City Council meeting, on January 8,2014 at Rosa Parks 6:30pm.
Eastvale: Building 2nd Fire Station
Staff Reports
Eastvale – Last month, the City of Eastvale closed escrow on a 1.75 acre parcel located at 14491 Chandler Street, in Eastvale 92880 for the location of Eastvale’s second Fire Station.
City and Fire officials discussed the need of another Fire Station, which is planned to include a second building that will serve as the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This portion of the overall project will be dependent upon costs, available funding and potential grant funding opportunities.
“We made the decision to acquire land and build a second fire station based on the current and future projected growth of the community…” said City Manager Carol Jacobs in a press release issued by the city.
“The City will build a second station that provides enough space for additional fire personnel to meet the growing needs of the community. It’s important to plan and build for the future of Eastvale while providing exceptional coverage and service to our residents,” added Jacobs.
The 1.75 acre parcel was purchased from Douglas and Diane Dimitruk in the amount of $570,862.91. The funds for this expenditure came from the City’s Fire Fund and will not impact the City’s General Fund. The City’s Fire Fund will be able to fund the building, staffing and equipment at the new fire station, according to the city.
City Hall will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for design by March 2014, followed by an RFP for construction. It is anticipated that the project will break ground within 18 months to two years, the city said in the release.
Eastvale: Start the New Year Off by Becoming a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain
Staff Reports
Eastvale – Complaining about crime? Well stop, and do something about it.
The New Year is upon us! Make it part of your New Year’s Resolutions to get to know your neighbors and start a Neighborhood Watch program in your neighborhood. Developing an active Neighborhood Watch program is a great way to improve security, reduce crime and combat illegal activity.
Neighborhood Watch is a cooperative partnership between neighbors and their police department designed to improve security and reduce crime. Citizens involved with the Eastvale Neighborhood Watch program will learn about the Eastvale Police Department resources and proven principals for increasing security and reducing crime. Public safety is everyone’s responsibility, and together we can make a real difference.
The Eastvale Police Department is dedicated to public safety and continuously looks for Eastvale citizens interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch.
If you are interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch program in your area, please contact Deputy Jeff Cryder at (951) 955-9225, or email Deputy Cryder atjcryder@riversidesheriff.org.
Eastvale: Got Milk? How Many Dairies Are Left In Eastvale?
EASTVALE: Got Milk? How Many Dairies Are Left In Eastvale?
By Kimberley Sander
Eastvale – Back in the late 1990s, the area currently known as Eastvale had a population of over 90,000; however, the majority of the citizens weren’t people, they were cows…lots and lots of cows living on approximately 80 dairies in this beautiful valley.
In early 2000, tracts of homes started springing up in the Eastvale area, along with shops, restaurants and schools. The growth led to the exploration of cityhood for Eastvale in 2007, and on October 1, 2010, official incorporation was completed. But with all the growth, what has happened to all those dairies?
Just as the expanding population of Los Angeles forced dairies out of Cerritos toward northwestern Riverside County, the ever-growing Eastvale, with a population of approximately 54,000 residents, is forcing dairies to leave for central California, Oregon, Colorado and beyond. People keep trying to escape urban congestion, and the high prices that go along with space that is at a premium.
Mayor Ike Bootsma, whose father was one of the first Dairymen to settle from Holland into the Chino Valley area, can remember what it was like. All of the children in his family worked the Dairy until they left home. In 1975, Boostma and his brother started the Bootsma Calf Ranch, where he and his wife still reside, and at one point had about 8,500 head of cattle.
“Back in the day, everybody was our neighbor. There were more cows than people, but everyone pitched in and helped one another”, Bootsma said recently.
“The City of Eastvale has turned into the same situation, people helping one another. But things change. I miss the dairies, but cows and people don’t mix that well”, he added.
At this point, there are only two dairies still operational in the City of Eastvale; the Dyt Dairy, located on Archibald at Limonite, and Leal Ranch, in the northeast corner of the city. Although this may be the end of an era, there is something comforting about the sight of black and white Holsteins grazing nearby. In agreement with Mayor Bootsma, we will miss the dairies, too.
When the dairies moved this direction in the late 1990s, they may have thought they would stay in this valley until the cows come home, but once again, they are moving on. As Woody Guthrie penned in his famous song, “Whoopee-ti-yi-yo, get along little doggies. You know that Wyoming will be your new home”. Indeed.
Eastvale: Walmart Project Delayed
Eastvale: Walmart Project Delayed
By Michael Armijo
The Eastvale Walmart, slated for the south east corner of Limonite and Archibald, has been delayed due to electrical towers that need to be moved prior to the project start, according to the city of Eastvale. This has delayed the open date of 2014, which was projected early last year.
The project, which was proposed in 2011 by Walmart, will be a 24-hour Super Walmart around 177k square feet, and improvements will be made to area roads for accessibility. Other tenants will occupy the location with Walmart being the only large anchor store. The building will be a ‘Green Store,’ a part of their environmental plan to boost energy efficiency, cut down on waste, and reduce greenhouse gases tied to global warming, which will be considered a nationwide ‘pilot store’.
Walmart is working on with Edison to move the electrical towers that scour the 40-acre property. Until the modifications are approved, planning work on the property, which borders the cities of Ontario and Chino, will be stalled until the approvals to move the towers are ok’d by Edison. Two of the towers, which are close to each of the roadways of Archibald and Limonite, create a liability issue, according to online reports. Moving the estimated 120-foot towers would cost about $1 million, the report said.
The widening of Limonite and Archibald, part of the plan to accommodate the higher amount of already congested traffic, affects the proximity of the towers to the street. Concrete barriers around the towers were also an option, according to the same report. If Edison approves the recommendation, work would begin immediately.
“Walmart purchased the property and they came to the City of Eastvale and asked for an application to build,” said Eastvale’s City Manager Carol Jacobs in an earlier article by Eastvale News. “So this was all initiated by Walmart.
Some cities make it an effort to try to draw Walmart to them, and after that initial contact, Walmart usually ask the city for money to help build the store, with the promise of sales tax revenue in return. According to city officials, Walmart has not asked for anything and the city has not offered anything for locating to the city. Walmart owns the property.
“This could bring over $1 million in sales tax revenue to the city,” said Mayor Bootsma early last year. “Residents will have an opportunity to review plans and offer opinions at City Council meetings before the project breaks ground.”
Though Walmart and Sam’s Club regularly build in close proximity of each other, Jacobs says this location will be strictly a Walmart.
Note: Is it ‘Wal-Mart’ or ‘Walmart’? According to CNBC.com, the legal name is ‘Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.’ but when you refer to just the store, the proper spelling is ‘Walmart’ as in “Jane loves shopping at Walmart.”
#Eastvale #Chino #Chino Hills #Ontario #Green Store #Walmart #Wal-Mart spelling #Limonite #Archibald #new project #edison #SCE #towers #electrical towers #energy efficient
Corona: Ground Broken For 91 Toll Lanes Extension
Overview of toll lanes extension project in Corona. (Image courtesy of Riverside County Transportation Commission)
Corona – By Glenn Freeman – For some commuters, the “Corona Crawl” may soon crawl a bit faster.
Riverside County transportation officials held ground breaking ceremonies on Dec. 11 for a $1.3 billion project to replace carpool lanes with express toll lanes on Highway 91 through Corona.
The freeway project will extend two existing toll lanes from the Orange County line to the I-15 interchange, including a new flyover ramp, allowing I-15 commuters a direct connection near Magnolia Avenue in Corona. A free, general-use lane in each direction on the 91 through Corona is also part of the overall project, with the eastbound lane stretching to Pierce Street in Riverside.
Several overpasses and ramps will be widened and rebuilt, including a new westbound entrance at Maple/Sixth streets and reconfigured eastbound entrances to the 91 at Serfas Club Drive and Main Street. The changes will help reduce congestion by separating merging traffic entering and exiting the 91.
According to Riverside County Transportation Commission, access will be at either end of the new toll lanes, which will use the existing “FastTrak” system already in place in Orange County, allowing for seamless transition between the two counties. RCTC says separate tolls will be charged for each county’s segment, offering drivers a choice of using the Riverside County toll lanes, the Orange County toll lanes, or both.
Although the new toll lanes will replace existing carpool lanes, Riverside County transportation officials say that the same “three ride free” policies currently in place in Orange County will also be applied to the lanes in Riverside County.
The toll lanes will be Riverside County’s first such lanes. They come approximately 20 years after Orange County first implemented “congestion pricing” tolls to expand Highway 91 west of Corona into Anaheim. The lanes initially drew criticism from Riverside County drivers and officials, who claimed they unfairly penalized Inland commuters, the primary users (and payees) of the lanes. An agreement between the two counties later began a partnership that included recent general use lane expansion in the Santa Ana Canyon performed by Orange County.
The project is being funded through a combination of sales tax bonds and Riverside County’s Measure A transportation sales tax. Work is set to start in January 2014 and actual construction likely to begin in spring 2014, with completion expected by 2017.
Detailed information on the project can be found at: www.sr91project.info.
Eastvale: Five Apply For Open City Council Seat So Far
Eastvale – By Michael Armijo – The recent vacancy on the Eastvale City Council by the resignation of Kelli Howell last month has gained the interest of five residents, all men so far, with the closing period ending at NOON Dec. 26. Howell resigned to spend more time with her family, her last day was Nov. 30.
Joe Tessari, Albert Randall, Warren Pulley, Robert Chang, and Bill Link have officially turned in their applications according to city staff.
The council plans to appoint her replacement at the Jan. 8 council meeting. The appointment will be on the council until the Nov. 2014 election. The alternative to an appointment is to hold an election, which would cost the city over $60,000.
Some of the issues that were pointed out as concerns from the candidates: pot houses, daytime criminal activity, traffic, local economic growth, senior housing, and travel time from the Jurupa Sheriff Sub Station to Eastvale to mention a few.
Tessari is a current planning commissioner appointed in 2010 and has been a resident since 2006. Randall is a physician and has lived in the city since 2008. Pulley owns a security consulting business and has been a resident since 2011. Chang’s background is in computer science and applied chemistry. Link is retired and is a current planning commissioner since 2010.
According to the city website: The City of Eastvale operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The Eastvale City Council has five members, who are elected on a nonpartisan basis and represent the city as a whole. The five Council members are elected at-large to serve four-year staggered terms, and the Mayor is selected by the Council to serve a one-year term. The Mayor and Council serve as the legislative and policy making body of the City. All Council Members are non-salaried.
The application period ends sharply at noon Thursday Dec. 26. City Hall is closed on Tuesday Dec. 24 and Wed. Dec. 25. For more information on the application process go to http://www.eastvalecity.org.
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